the baseline course · 2026
the short answer
Yes, in most no-degree-friendly markets — a 120-hour accredited TEFL course is the widely recognised minimum that private language schools in places like Cambodia, Mexico and Colombia expect from teachers without a bachelor's degree. It won't unlock jobs that legally require a degree, like most Middle East and Korea/Japan contracts. Confirm the accreditation is real, complete the full course including any practical modules, and check specific job ads before assuming acceptance.
| Degree | Not required for the course itself |
|---|---|
| TEFL hours | 120, accredited |
| Accepted? | Yes in most no-degree markets, check specific job ads |
| Timeline | 1-4 weeks part-time, self-paced online |
| Typical pay | Enables entry-level language-school pay, $500-$1,300+ |
| Hardest part | Doesn't override degree-required visa rules |
| Who this suits | Budget-conscious first-timers targeting no-degree countries |
step one, always
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typical, not guaranteed
Confirm the course lists real accreditation and covers at least 120 hours of content, not a shorter course rebranded.
Expect grammar, lesson planning, classroom management and assessment sections; take the practical exercises seriously.
Most accredited 120-hour courses include quizzes or a final assessment before issuing your certificate.
Save both a digital copy and a printed copy — some visa or school applications ask for a physical certificate.
State '120-hour accredited TEFL' plainly on your CV or application — it's often exactly what hiring managers scan for first.
120 hours is roughly the point at which a TEFL course covers the core basics properly — grammar fundamentals, lesson planning, classroom management and some assessment practice — without stretching into the territory of longer, more intensive courses like CELTA. It's become the de facto floor most schools and even visa applications reference.
In Cambodia, Laos, most of Mexico and Colombia's private institutes, and many general online tutoring situations, a 120-hour accredited certificate is typically sufficient alongside a decent interview. It's also usually the minimum many online platforms and job ads specify when they don't ask for more.
A 120-hour certificate doesn't change legal degree requirements for work visas in places like South Korea, Japan, the UAE or Thailand's formal work permit system. Some programmes (like EPIK) or higher-paying international schools also prefer 100-120+ hours plus other criteria, or specifically want more, so always check the current vacancy or programme page rather than assuming a 120-hour cert covers everything.
The biggest mistake is choosing an unaccredited or suspiciously cheap course that doesn't clearly state its hours or accreditation, which some schools reject outright. The second is assuming 120 hours automatically unlocks every job — always read the specific requirements of a job ad or visa programme before assuming your certificate qualifies you.
what people actually ask
Generally yes, especially in no-degree-friendly markets like Cambodia, Mexico and Colombia. Some employers or programmes want more hours or specific qualifications, so it's worth checking individual job ads rather than assuming 120 hours covers everything.
Most self-paced online courses take one to four weeks depending on how many hours a day you can dedicate. Some providers offer faster or slower pacing options, so check the estimated timeline before enrolling if you're on a deadline.
Not necessarily. Many of these programmes want 100-120+ hours as a baseline but also prefer in-person practice components, specific accreditation, or a degree, which a basic online 120-hour course alone won't satisfy. Always check the current vacancy requirements directly.
No, anyone can typically enrol in and complete a 120-hour TEFL course regardless of education level. The degree question only becomes relevant later, when applying to jobs or visas that specifically require one.
Check that the provider clearly states a real accrediting body and course hours on their site, rather than vague claims. If a course seems very cheap with no accreditation details listed, treat that as a red flag before purchasing.